The best bartenders in Chicago, hands down. I should know, I've spent more hours sitting in this bar waiting for my "Big Time Hollywood Producer" sister to come down from her hotel room than I care to remember. On the plus side, if you have a lot of time to waste, as I invariably do when I'm here, this is a great place to do it.
Tucked away behind the lobby and by the Seasons Cafe, this bar is muy civilized - this is the perfect place to come, drink scotch and people watch, very reminiscent of an old gentlemen's club where time has stood still. Dimly lit, clubby, with incredibly comfortable seating that has been thoughtfully arranged. I especially appreciate the fact that the chairs are low enough to the ground that my feet can reach - I'm a little on the wee side. Tables are spaced so you might catch intriguing bits and pieces of other table's conversations, but are far enough apart that you needn't worry about stifling your own. Not a good place for large, boisterous parties, but perfect for drinking alone with a good book or with a small, well mannered group.
Great snacks, little bowls of oriental snack mix with almonds are placed at every table and the bar and are refreshed regularly. If you want something more substantial, you can order off the menu from the Cafe next door. Tea service is also available and they serve it correctly, natch. Nice ladies room as well if you spend too long here.
Waiters are unobtrusive yet friendly - I often wear jeans and sneakers into this uber-swank joint and they treat me with as much care and respect as they do the dripping with furs and diamonds crowd. The aforementioned bartenders are incredible - while I'm a Hilton whore, I maintain that the Four Seasons (anywhere in the world) always has the best bartenders of any hotel, period. They're nearly always Irish and they can all pour a perfect drink. I've spent a lot of time chatting with these fellows over the years and they not only remember their customers, but they remember their drinks - bonus points. Cocktails aren't terribly pricey, especially compared to what you would be paying at a club, but minus the annoying crowd. In any case, the ambiance and service make it well worth it.
Even if you don't have a slow moving relative staying here whom you are forced to spend hours waiting upon, it's certainly worth the trip if you are in the neighborhood and have some time to kill. read more